As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka. (Photo: AFP/ANTHONY WALLACE) Kiwis ranging from heavily tattooed bikers to business executives, children and the elderly have lined up to perform the intimidating ceremonial dance which begins with fierce chants roughly translated as "I Live! I Die!" As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka - a dance whose origins lie with the indigenous Maori community but which has become a global symbol of New Zealand as the battle cry of its national rugby team, the All Blacks. The aggressive ritual and threatening histrionics may seem out of step with the sombre atmosphere gripping the nation after Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and avowed white supremacist, allegedly gunned down 50 Muslims during prayers last Friday (Mar 15). But the haka is not only meant to intimidate, but also to … [Read more...] about “I Live! I Die!”: New Zealand uses haka to heal after attacks
Wineries new zealand south island
40 dead in New Zealand mosque shootings
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Police officers cordon off the area close to the mosque after a gunman filming himself firing at worshippers inside in Christchurch on Friday. — AFP/VNA Photos Viet Nam News CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead on Friday, with one gunman - identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. Witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children also believed to be among those killed. "It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it marked "one of New Zealand’s darkest days". "From what we know, it does appear to have been well planned," she said, adding that in addition to the dead another 20 people were seriously injured. PM Ardern said that New Zealand’s threat level had been raised to "high" in response to the deadly … [Read more...] about 40 dead in New Zealand mosque shootings
145 whales die on remote New Zealand beach
The remote location of the stranding meant the whales that had not yet died had to be euthanised. — AFP/VNA PhotoViet Nam News WELLINGTON — Up to 145 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on a remote part of a small New Zealand island, authorities said on Monday. The stranding was discovered by a hiker late Saturday on Stewart Island, 30 kilometres off the southern coast of the South Island. Half of the whales were already dead and due to the condition of the remaining whales and the remote, difficult to access location, the decision was made to euthanise the remainder. "Sadly, the likelihood of being able to successfully re-float the remaining whales was extremely low," said Ren Leppens, the Department of Conservation’s operations manager on Stewart Island. "The remote location, lack of nearby personnel and the whales’ deteriorating condition meant the most humane thing to do was to euthanise. "However, it’s always a … [Read more...] about 145 whales die on remote New Zealand beach
6.7-magnitude quake jolts New Zealand’s remote islands, no tsunami alert
New Zealand GeoNet recorded that the quake occurred at 4:18 p.m. local time, with epicenter of 132 km below and 785 km away from Whakatane in north island. United States Geological Survey recorded the quake at 6.9 magnitude with epicenter of 111 km below. Ministry of Civil Defense of New Zealand said that based on current information, the initial assessment ruled out a subsequent tsunami threat after the quake. … [Read more...] about 6.7-magnitude quake jolts New Zealand’s remote islands, no tsunami alert
New Zealand cools on climate refugee plan
New Zealand says it will not adopt world-first plans to allow climate change refugees without approval from the Pacific island nations the measure is intended to help. Both the ruling Labour Party and its Green coalition partner went into last year's election with a platform of allocating refugee places for islanders displaced by rising seas. The initial plans were modest, about 100 places a year, but regarded as ground-breaking because the UN's refugee covenant does not currently recognize the victims of climate change. Activists praised the South Pacific nation for showing global leadership on the issue and assisting vulnerable low-lying island nations in its region. However, Climate Change Minister James Shaw said feedback from islanders themselves indicated they saw gaining refugee status as a last resort. "They want to stay in their homes and their homelands," he told AFP this week, just days after returning from a tour of four Pacific island nations. "The islands themselves … [Read more...] about New Zealand cools on climate refugee plan